# The Christmas Novena – Fifth Day: Mary’s Yes
*2008-12-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the fifth day of the Christmas novena, focusing on Mary’s “yes” to God and what it means for us to respond to God’s call.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, come to my aid. Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

## Mary’s Answer in the Gospel of Luke

The Holy Spirit will descend upon you, and you will be called the handmaid of the Lord. From the Gospel according to Luke, Mary says to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no knowledge of man?” The angel answers, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. The child will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” He also tells her, “Your cousin Elizabeth, though old, has conceived a son, and she is now in her sixth month. Nothing is impossible for God.” Mary replies, “Behold, I am the Lord’s servant; let it be done to me according to your word.”

## Prayer of Thanksgiving

O God, you desired that your Son take on flesh in a virginal womb. Grant that the joy of knowing Him as a man may bring us to share the gifts of heaven. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen.

## Our Father and Hail Mary

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Closing Doxology

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

*Mary’s willing “yes” reminds us that we, too, must say yes when God calls.*